Due to allegations of match-fixing and gambling, Mavs head coach suspended Luka Doncic.
Neither Kyrie Irving nor Luka Doncic made the game-winning shot in the most crucial time for the Dallas Mavericks.
Doncic doubled with the shot clock running with 3:15 remaining in the game and the Mavericks down by one.
Doncic found Dante Exum wide open at the top of the key with the double-team pressing on him, and Exum sank the 3-pointer to put Dallas up for good in a 114-108 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday at the American Airlines Center.
In what has been an inconsistent season for the seasoned guard, Exum’s inclusion in the final lineup and his game-winning 3-pointer came full circle.
Dante Exum
Mar. 7, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA: During the second half at the American Airlines Center, Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum(0) passes the ball while Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler(22), guard Jaime Jaquez Jr.(11), and center Thomas Bryant(31) watch.
Exum stated, “I believe it’s always about being ready.” “The most important thing is that I’m always prepared, even when I haven’t closed a game in a while.
It would be better for me to return to the ball and be confident when I make the free throws because I know they will double both Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić.
In the victory, Exum recorded 13 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Seven of his 13 points came in the game’s last three minutes or so. Mavs head coach Jason Kidd praised Exum, saying that he can relieve Doncic and Irving of some of the strain when it matters most by starting him in the final lineup.
Mavs head coach Jason Kidd stated, “His importance—when you look at his serenity, he doesn’t panic.” “I believed that the speed at which he entered the game helped Luka [Dončić] avoid having to bring the ball up.”
Additionally, he located Luka, gave him easy shots, and helped his teammates get easy shots as well. You can see it today—his tempo is something we’ve lacked here.
Doncic scored 35 points with 11 assists, 11 rebounds, and another triple-double of 30 points. He also praised Exum’s performance, pointing out that he was able to return after missing 13 games due to a right knee injury.
“He was excellent. Particularly in the closing moments, [it was] an incredible performance,” Doncic remarked. He missed a lot of games. It’s difficult to return, but he was incredible. That was unique.
For a team attempting to halt the bleeding, it was a make-or-break situation with Dallas in a one-point game amid a three-game losing streak.
The Mavs were able to turn things around because to Exum’s ability to step up off the bench and make clutch shots.
If he can maintain this level of play off the bench, it will relieve a lot of burden on Doncic and Irving and might be the spark the club needs to survive in the West.
